Cloudflare SASE

Network + security, converged at the edge.

Tap a service in either pillar to see what we deliver.

Security pillar

ZTNA / Access

Identity-aware access to apps; replaces VPN with per-request verification.

Plan your SASE rollout View SASE readiness checklist

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Nanosek provides Cloudflare SASE services for organizations adopting Zero Trust access, Secure Web Gateway, WARP, private application access, DNS filtering, CASB, DLP, remote browser isolation, identity-based policies, device posture, cloudflared tunnels, traffic routing, logging, alerting, and managed Cloudflare operations. The service includes discovery, architecture design, phased rollout, policy design, testing, user migration, observability, troubleshooting, and continuous optimization.

cloudflaresasezero trustztnasecure web gatewaywarpcasbdlpdns filteringmanaged cloudflare services

What Cloudflare SASE helps solve

VPN replacement

Traditional VPN gives broad network access, is hard to manage, and scales poorly. Cloudflare SASE replaces VPN with app-specific Zero Trust access and private network routing — without exposing the underlying network.

Private application access

Self-hosted, cloud-hosted, and Kubernetes-based applications can be accessed securely through Cloudflare Access and cloudflared tunnels without firewall rules or inbound connections to origin infrastructure.

Secure Web Gateway

Internet-bound traffic from users is inspected by Cloudflare Gateway for malware, phishing, compromised hosts, and policy violations — without backhauling traffic to on-premises appliances.

DNS filtering

Cloudflare Gateway resolves DNS through Cloudflare and blocks malicious, suspicious, or policy-violating domains for managed and unmanaged users and branch locations.

SaaS visibility

Organizations often lack visibility into which SaaS tools employees use, which are misconfigured, and which carry risk. CASB provides SaaS discovery and posture monitoring.

Shadow IT discovery

CASB and Gateway logs reveal unauthorized SaaS usage, risky uploads, and personal accounts being used for business data — giving security teams the visibility needed to enforce policy.

DLP policy enforcement

Data loss prevention policies detect and block sensitive data — credentials, financial information, PII, source code — being uploaded, shared, or transmitted through web and SaaS channels.

CASB posture visibility

CASB reviews SaaS platform configurations against security benchmarks, identifying risky sharing settings, weak authentication, missing logging, and compliance gaps.

Remote browser isolation

RBI executes web content in a remote browser and streams a safe rendering to the user, protecting endpoints from drive-by downloads, malicious scripts, and zero-day web exploits.

TLS inspection strategy

Many threats are encrypted. Cloudflare Gateway can inspect HTTPS traffic with scoped exceptions for sensitive services, giving security teams visibility into threats that previously bypassed inspection.

Branch and remote user security

Branches and remote users can route traffic through Cloudflare for consistent security enforcement without per-site appliances, hairpin routing, or inconsistent policy coverage.

Contractor and third-party access

Contractors and third-party vendors need access to specific applications without being placed on the corporate network. Cloudflare Access enables app-specific access with identity and posture controls.

Identity-aware access control

Access policies can enforce authentication, group membership, device posture, geography, and time-based conditions — replacing broad network access with per-application, per-user decisions.

Device posture enforcement

Device posture checks validate OS version, disk encryption, certificate presence, endpoint detection status, and custom signals before granting access to sensitive applications.

Centralized logging and reporting

Access logs, Gateway logs, WARP device events, DLP events, and CASB findings can be centralized in Logpush and pushed to SIEM for investigation, compliance evidence, and operational reporting.

Why SASE rollout needs careful design

SASE is not only deploying an agent or replacing a VPN. It changes how users reach private apps, how internet traffic is inspected, how DNS is resolved, how identity is enforced, how SaaS usage is monitored, and how security teams investigate activity. Poor design creates user disruption, broken private access, routing loops, DNS conflicts, application latency, blocked SaaS tools, and exceptions that become difficult to manage over time.

Nanosek builds the rollout around identity, routing, device posture, split tunnel strategy, application groups, logging, exceptions, and change control — not just turning on the platform.

VPN replacement requires app and network route discoverySplit tunnel design affects user experience and security coverageDNS behavior must be predictable across devices and locationsTLS inspection requires exceptions and careful staged rolloutIdentity groups and device posture drive policy qualityPrivate app access needs tunnel and connector resilienceSaaS and web controls should start with visibility before enforcementLogging and incident workflows must be ready before wide rollout

Our Cloudflare SASE approach

Phase 1

Discovery and current-state assessment

Review VPN usage, private applications, networks, user groups, identity provider, device platforms, DNS behavior, existing SWG tools, SaaS usage, DLP requirements, branch connectivity, and compliance requirements.
Identify critical user groups, high-risk apps, sensitive data, contractors, admins, developers, and privileged workflows that need careful handling during rollout.

Phase 2

Target architecture design

Define the Cloudflare SASE architecture across WARP, Access, Gateway, private routing, cloudflared tunnels, identity, device posture, DNS filtering, TLS inspection, CASB, DLP, logging, and rollback.
Decide which apps use browser-based Access, client-based private routing, service tokens, mTLS, or other access patterns based on protocol, security requirement, and user group.

Phase 3

Policy and routing design

Design identity-aware access policies, Gateway DNS, HTTP, and network policies, split tunnel rules, private network routes, app groups, posture checks, SaaS controls, and DLP enforcement phases.
Define bypasses, local domain fallback, emergency access paths, and exceptions carefully before any enforcement begins.

Phase 4

Pilot rollout

Start with a controlled pilot user group. Validate login, device registration, DNS resolution, private app access, SaaS access, TLS inspection, policy enforcement, performance, and user experience.
Collect logs and feedback before expanding. Adjust split tunnel rules, DNS fallback, posture checks, and policy exceptions based on pilot findings.

Phase 5

Production rollout

Expand deployment by user group, department, application, country, or traffic type. Migrate VPN use cases gradually with validated parity.
Keep rollback paths, bypass processes, and support channels ready throughout the rollout period.

Phase 6

Observability and operations setup

Configure Gateway logs, Access logs, WARP device posture reporting, tunnel health checks, DLP events, CASB findings, Logpush pipelines, dashboards, alerts, and SIEM integration.
Create investigation workflows, triage runbooks, and helpdesk escalation paths before completing rollout.

Phase 7

Optimization and managed operations

Tune policies, exceptions, split tunnel rules, DLP findings, SaaS controls, private routes, tunnel resilience, and reporting over time based on operational data.
Provide managed Cloudflare SASE operations including policy changes, Gateway tuning, WARP support, tunnel monitoring, DLP review, and reporting.

Cloudflare SASE capabilities we help operationalize

Capability	When Nanosek uses it
Cloudflare Access	Identity-aware reverse proxy for self-hosted and SaaS applications. Used for browser-based access without network-level exposure.
Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA)	App-specific access control replacing broad VPN network access. Combined with Access, WARP, and private routing.
Gateway DNS filtering	Resolves DNS through Cloudflare for managed and unmanaged users, blocking malicious or policy-violating domains.
Gateway HTTP filtering	Inspects and filters HTTP/HTTPS traffic for malware, phishing, content categories, and custom URL or application policies.
Gateway network policies	TCP/UDP-level filtering and allow/block decisions for network traffic routed through Cloudflare.
Cloudflare WARP	Device client that routes traffic to Cloudflare for Gateway inspection, DNS filtering, private network access, and posture-based policy enforcement.
Device profiles	Segment users by device OS, platform, enrollment type, or custom criteria to apply different WARP and Gateway behaviors per device group.
Split tunnel configuration	Control which traffic routes through Cloudflare and which exits directly. Critical for user experience, private routing, and security coverage.
Local domain fallback	Route DNS queries for internal domains to corporate resolvers rather than Cloudflare, preserving internal DNS resolution while Gateway handles external queries.
Private network routing	Route traffic from WARP clients to private IP ranges through cloudflared tunnels without requiring inbound firewall rules.
cloudflared tunnels	Establish outbound-only connections from origin infrastructure to Cloudflare. Used for private app access, private network routing, and WARP-to-origin connectivity.
Tunnel connectors	Multiple connector instances per tunnel provide resilience, load distribution, and failover for private app access.
Virtual networks	Segment private routes into isolated virtual networks when multiple environments share overlapping IP address ranges.
Identity provider integration	Connect Cloudflare Access and Gateway to Okta, Azure AD, Google Workspace, and other IdPs using OAuth, SAML, or OIDC.
SCIM group sync	Sync identity provider groups to Cloudflare for automatic policy application as users join or leave groups.
Device posture checks	Validate OS version, disk encryption, certificate, endpoint detection, firewall status, and custom signals before granting access.
CASB	Discover and monitor SaaS applications for risky configurations, unauthorized integrations, weak authentication, and compliance gaps.
DLP	Detect and control sensitive data in web and SaaS traffic including credentials, PII, financial data, source code, and custom patterns.
Remote Browser Isolation (RBI)	Execute untrusted web content in a remote browser and stream a safe rendering to the user, preventing endpoint compromise.
TLS inspection	Inspect encrypted HTTPS traffic through Cloudflare Gateway with scoped exceptions for sensitive services and compliance-sensitive traffic.
Service tokens	Machine-to-machine authentication for non-user traffic through Cloudflare Access — used for CI/CD pipelines, APIs, and automated systems.
mTLS	Mutual TLS authentication for trusted client certificates, used for high-assurance API access, service-to-service traffic, and privileged app access.
Access for SaaS apps	Use Cloudflare Access as an identity proxy in front of SaaS applications to enforce posture, group, and session controls beyond what the SaaS IdP supports.
Gateway and Access logs	Structured event logs for DNS queries, HTTP requests, network flows, login events, policy matches, and blocked requests.
Logpush	Push Gateway, Access, WARP, and other Cloudflare events to SIEM, data lake, or analytics platforms for investigation and reporting.
SIEM integration	Integrate Cloudflare logs with Splunk, Microsoft Sentinel, Elastic, Datadog, or other SIEM platforms via Logpush.
Terraform and API automation	Manage Access policies, Gateway rules, tunnel configurations, and WARP device profiles through Terraform or the Cloudflare API.

SASE use-case matrix

Use case	Cloudflare capability	Design notes
VPN replacement	Access, WARP, private routing, cloudflared tunnels	Start with app inventory and phased per-app or per-group migration
Private web apps	Access self-hosted applications, browser-based access	Identity-aware access without full network access. No client required for browser apps.
Private TCP/UDP apps	WARP private routing, tunnels, virtual networks	Validate routes, DNS, ports, and overlapping networks before rollout
Secure web access	Gateway DNS, HTTP, and network policies	Start with visibility and traffic baseline before enabling blocking
DNS filtering	Gateway DNS policies, device profiles	Align with device profiles, local domain fallback, and split tunnel settings
SaaS visibility	CASB and Gateway logs	Identify risky SaaS usage, shadow IT, and misconfigured integrations
Data protection	DLP policies in Gateway	Start with monitoring mode and tune before enabling blocking
Contractor access	Access policies, service tokens, app-specific controls	Avoid broad VPN-style network access. Scope to specific applications.
Admin and privileged access	Access, mTLS, posture checks, IP or location policies	Apply stricter controls to privileged apps than standard user access
Branch access	WARP, cloudflared tunnels, Gateway policies	Validate routing, tunnel resilience, DNS behavior, and logging
TLS inspection	Gateway inspection policies, certificate deployment	Plan exceptions for sensitive services carefully before enabling
Incident investigation	Access logs, Gateway logs, Logpush, SIEM	Build dashboards and triage workflows before wide rollout is complete

Migration from VPN and legacy SWG

Nanosek helps migrate from traditional VPN and legacy Secure Web Gateway tools into Cloudflare SASE using phased adoption — not big-bang replacement. Some use cases move quickly. Others require discovery and pilot testing. Some legacy VPN access may temporarily coexist during transition.

Legacy tool	Cloudflare SASE replacement	Migration notes
VPN (browser-based private apps)	Cloudflare Access for self-hosted applications	Often the fastest migration. No WARP required for browser-only apps.
VPN (non-HTTP private apps)	WARP private network routing and cloudflared tunnels	Requires WARP deployment, route design, DNS review, and connector placement.
Legacy DNS filtering	Gateway DNS policies	Map existing category blocks, custom blocklists, and local domain behavior.
Legacy Secure Web Gateway	Gateway HTTP and network policies	Translate URL categories, content controls, and application rules to Gateway.
Manual SaaS reviews	CASB posture and discovery	Automate SaaS configuration review and shadow IT detection.
Static DLP rules	Gateway DLP monitoring and enforcement	Start with visibility, review findings, then promote to blocking.
Fragmented logs	Logpush and SIEM integration	Consolidate Access, Gateway, WARP, and DLP events in one investigation workflow.

SASE readiness checklist

Current VPN use cases inventoried
Private applications mapped
Private IP ranges and routes documented
DNS behavior and internal resolvers reviewed
Identity provider integration confirmed
User groups and SCIM sync reviewed
Device platforms documented
WARP deployment method selected
Device posture requirements defined
Split tunnel strategy designed
Local domain fallback reviewed
Tunnel connector placement planned
Virtual networks reviewed where needed
Critical SaaS applications identified
TLS inspection exceptions planned
DLP requirements documented
Pilot user group selected
Access and Gateway logs configured
Rollback and emergency access process defined
Helpdesk and support workflow prepared

Risks and mitigations

Risk	Mitigation
Private apps become unreachable	Map apps, routes, DNS, ports, tunnels, and test with pilot users before broad rollout. Keep rollback access ready.
DNS conflicts with internal resolvers	Review local domain fallback, split tunnel settings, resolver behavior, and device profiles. Test DNS resolution from pilot devices.
WARP rollout disrupts users	Use staged deployment, clear device profiles, user communication, and rollback instructions. Test with a small pilot group first.
TLS inspection breaks applications	Start with monitoring, create scoped exceptions for sensitive services, and validate apps in pilot before enabling inspection broadly.
Policies are too broad	Use identity groups, app-specific policies, posture checks, and least-privilege access design. Avoid catch-all allow or block policies.
Too many bypasses accumulate over time	Review exceptions regularly and tie each bypass to documented business justification, owner, and review date.
Tunnels lack resilience	Deploy multiple connectors per tunnel, monitor health, configure alerting, and document ownership for each tunnel.
Overlapping networks create routing issues	Use virtual networks and careful route design. Test routing from each user group before production rollout.
Logs are missing during incidents	Configure Access, Gateway, WARP, DLP, and Logpush visibility and validate delivery before enforcement is enabled.
Helpdesk is not prepared for SASE rollout	Create support playbooks, user communication, and escalation paths covering WARP issues, app access failures, and DNS problems.

Deliverables

SASE current-state assessment report
VPN and private application inventory
Cloudflare SASE target architecture
Identity and group mapping documentation
WARP rollout plan
Split tunnel and DNS design
Private routing and tunnel design
Access policy design
Gateway DNS, HTTP, and network policy design
CASB and DLP rollout plan
TLS inspection strategy and exception list
Pilot validation report
Production rollout runbook
Logging and SIEM integration plan
Support and troubleshooting runbook
Managed operations handover documentation

When Nanosek should help

You want to replace or reduce traditional VPN usage with app-specific Zero Trust access.

You need ZTNA and Secure Web Gateway in one Cloudflare architecture.

You need to deploy WARP across your organization without disrupting users or private app access.

You have private applications across cloud, on-premises data centers, or Kubernetes.

You need split tunnel, DNS fallback, or overlapping network design.

You want to roll out TLS inspection, CASB, or DLP carefully without breaking apps or disrupting users.

You need identity, SCIM, and device posture-based access policies.

You need centralized logging, dashboards, and SIEM integration for Zero Trust events.

You want managed Cloudflare Zero Trust and SASE operations after rollout.

Frequently asked questions

What is Cloudflare SASE?

Cloudflare SASE combines Zero Trust access, Secure Web Gateway, WARP, DNS filtering, private application access, CASB, DLP, remote browser isolation, logging, and policy enforcement into a cloud-delivered security and connectivity model built on the Cloudflare One platform.

Is Cloudflare SASE the same as replacing VPN?

No. VPN replacement is one common SASE use case, but SASE also includes secure web access, DNS filtering, SaaS visibility, data loss prevention, identity-aware policies, device posture enforcement, and traffic monitoring for all users and devices.

Can Cloudflare SASE replace our VPN?

Yes, for many use cases. Browser-based private apps can move to Cloudflare Access. Non-HTTP private apps can use WARP private network routing and cloudflared tunnels. Migration should be phased, app-by-app, with validation before each group is moved.

What is the role of Cloudflare WARP?

WARP is the device client that connects user devices to Cloudflare. Once connected, traffic is routed through Cloudflare for Gateway DNS and HTTP inspection, private network access, device posture-based policy enforcement, and Logpush visibility.

How do you avoid breaking user access during rollout?

Nanosek uses discovery, pilot user groups, split tunnel design, DNS validation, private route testing, staged rollout, monitoring, rollback steps, and helpdesk-ready runbooks before expanding to production user groups.

Can Cloudflare SASE support private apps in cloud and on-premises?

Yes. Private applications can be connected through cloudflared tunnels deployed in cloud, data center, or Kubernetes environments. WARP private routing connects users to those apps without requiring inbound firewall rules.

How do you handle overlapping IP address ranges?

Overlapping networks require careful route design and may use Cloudflare virtual networks to isolate routes for different environments such as production, staging, or acquisition networks that share address space.

Can Cloudflare SASE include DLP and CASB?

Yes. CASB and DLP can be included to improve SaaS visibility, detect risky configurations, and enforce data protection policies for web and SaaS traffic. Rollout should start with visibility and monitoring before enforcement is enabled.

Can Nanosek manage Cloudflare SASE after rollout?

Yes. Nanosek provides managed Cloudflare operations covering Access policy changes, Gateway tuning, WARP deployment support, tunnel monitoring, DLP and CASB review, logging, reporting, and troubleshooting.

Adopt Cloudflare SASE without disrupting users

Nanosek helps you move from legacy VPN and fragmented security tools to a Cloudflare SASE operating model with phased rollout, clear policies, strong visibility, and managed operations.

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